Two teens arrested in Los Banos homicide

Los Banos police have arrested two teenage suspects in this month's shooting death of an 18-year-old man.

The suspects, a 15-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, were arrested by police Friday for allegedly killing Shane Thomas Moore, 18, of Gustine in a gang-related shooting.

Police haven't released the suspects' names because they're juveniles. The suspects, however, could be charged as adults after the case is reviewed by the Merced County District Attorney's Office early next week.

"The suspects are documented gang members but we believe Mr. Moore was not," Los Banos Police Cmdr. Ray Reyna said in statement. "Some of
the other victims were rival gang members and appeared to be the intended target of this crime. Our detectives did a great job solving this case and it's a relief to know these suspects are off our streets."

The homicide was reported around 9 p.m. March 4 in the garage of a residence in the 800 block of La Mesa Lane. Police found four men in the garage with gunshot wounds. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three, all 20 years old, were shot in the legs, police said. One also was struck in the arm.

Police believe the 17-year-old suspect fired the fatal shots, while the younger boy was an accomplice.

The older boy was booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang. The young boy is being held on suspicion of murder and participation in a criminal street gang.

Moore's death was the first reported homicide in Los Banos this year, and the fifth reported in Mered County.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Eduardo Solis at (209) 827-7070, ext. 137.